Book review 21: Purple Harmattan poetry anthology Elikplim Akorli

We are on book 21and nearing the end of 2025. 

Purple Harmattan is another one of my treasured gifts from Ghana– a poetry anthology that  continues to awaken beautiful memories from my visit. 

Welcome to my world of African literature and African insight. I read and review books penned by African authors. My preferred genres stretch from Political Developments, African leadership and Excellence, Local Governance, Policy analysis and fiction. At my core, these reviews exist to shape Africa’s development and rewrite African narratives. 

They are meant to spark conversations, ignite ideas and remind Africans of the power we hold. 

Purple Harmattan is exactly that–an ode to recognising that there is more to the human being than we often give attention. 

Human beings are adept, adaptive and deeply self-aware. Our bodies are designed to acknowledge change and respond to it. Nature itself sends signals that alert us when a new season enters. 

I first encountered the word “harmattan” while I was learning about Ghana. For those who are new to the concept: harmattan is a dry, dusty and windy season in the West African coast that occurs from December to early March. Its low humidity causes cracking, flaking, dullness, irritation, sensitivity, dryness and dehydration to the skin. During this season, one must moisturise regularly, hydrate from within, protect lips and hands, and use protective clothing. 

Human beings experience seasons too. 

We shift with political developments, personal circumstances, grief, growth and transitions. And just like nature, our bodies and minds receive the change–even when it is uncomfortable. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: our bodies were created to be flexible. Change may unsettle us, but we were built to withstand it, adapt to it and eventually embrace it. 

Just like harmattan.

Book 21 of 2025.

A very wholesome read.

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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